A personal health record (PHR), an electronic collection of medical information, makes a patients history accessible at any time from a Web-enabled device, such as a computer, tablet or smartphone. Separate from electronic health records or electronic medical records which are owned by hospitals, doctors offices or health insurance plans PHRs help family caregivers gather and manage their information in one easily accessible location.

The benefits of having a PHR include quick access to vital information during an emergency, being better prepared to ask questions at a doctor visit, tools to track progress, and a means to organize appointments and screenings, says Lynn Wilson, Founder of The CareGiver Partnership, a resource for seniors and caregivers and national online retailer of incontinence supplies and other home health care products. It also allows family members to have real-time access to the latest care of a loved one, even if they live far away.

Each individual decides which information to include in a PHR. According to the Mayo Clinic, the basics may include a primary care physicians contact information, medications and dosages, allergies, chronic health problems, dates of major surgeries, and a living will or advance directives. Examples of preventive care that a patient may choose to add to his or her PHR include screening results, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, diet and exercise habits, and health goals.

With the continuous growth of PHR service offerings, prospective users should research the options and compare how each may meet their unique needs, Wilson says.

OnPulse is a service that allows users to communicate privately with providers, form care teams based on a diagnosis or condition, and track when information is viewed. OnPulse users also can communicate with loved ones online and access tips, lists of providers and other educational resources.

Those who prioritize privacy and security might consider Minerva Health Manager. It lets users securely store their health records on their home computers rather than on the Internet, then access them from mobile phones and other devices via flash drive and viewer tools. The Minerva PHR Viewer works with iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

Caregivers Touch is an option that lets users organize data, then store and access it via an iPhone application. Caregivers Touch users can set up individual profiles for sharing information. For example, a user might share a calendar of appointments with a nearby family member and a contact list with a friend who lives elsewhere.

Contact The CareGiver Partnerships team of Product Specialists for personalized help with products and services for seniors and caregivers.

The CareGiver Partnership is a national direct-to-consumer retailer of home health care products for incontinence, diabetes, nutrition support and more. In its seventh year of providing products and services that help caregivers and loved ones maintain personal dignity, the company also offers an online library of more than 1,500 family caregiver resources and personal service by experts in caregiving. Call 1-800-985-1353 or visit online at caregiverpartnership.com.